Recently a LinkedIn post raised this question, “Do I get an MBA right after graduating from college?”
I’ve taught in MBA programs, completed my own program, and advised dozens of corporate managers. Here’s what I’d say:
(1) Find out if you need the MBA degree. Every industry will be different. Some companies will respect only Ivy League MBAs so your local course will take a lot of time and money, but ultimately leave you with no more marketability than you had before.
(2) An Executive MBA will be very powerful for building connections and networks.
(3) If you’re considering a PhD, skip the MBA. Many doctoral programs will give you an MBA after a year or two, possibly requiring a couple of extra courses.
(4) A law degree lets you do just about everything an MBA does. It can be even stronger as a credential.
(5) Before joining a program, talk to recent graduates. Find out how the degree helped them (or didn’t).
Be very careful about choosing a program. I’ve written up a summary here, in a special report you can buy and download immediately:
https://midlifecareerstrategy.com/schoolbk.htm
My advice is to gain some industry experience and do MBA.
Craig – you are probably right most of the time.